Pallet sled

ABSTRACT

A pallet sled includes an upper frame including spaced-apart arms adapted to receive feet of a pallet therebetween. A lower frame supports the upper frame. A plurality of pivotable arms connect the lower frame to the upper frame. A handle is pivotably connected to the lower frame and the upper frame, such that pivoting the handle selectively raises and lowers the upper frame relative to the lower frame.

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/533,212, which was filed on Aug. 6, 2019, which is a division of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/606,598, which was filed on May 26, 2017, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/341,833, whichwas filed on May 26, 2016.

BACKGROUND

Pallets are often used to ship goods into stores. Loaded pallets ontrucks are brought into stores and may be unloaded onto shelves inrefrigerators or freezers. Existing means for lifting and moving palletscan be large, heavy, expensive and difficult to maneuver. Powered liftsmay have heavy and expensive motors or hydraulics. Many lifts are toolarge to be wheeled directly into a freezer or refrigerator at a store,or may be difficult to maneuver once there.

SUMMARY

A pallet sled includes an upper frame including spaced-apart armsadapted to receive feet of a pallet therebetween. A lower frame supportsthe upper frame. A plurality of pivotable arms connect the lower frameto the upper frame. A handle is pivotably connected to the lower frameand the upper frame, such that pivoting the handle selectively raisesand lowers the upper frame relative to the lower frame.

The sled provides a small, lightweight manual, non-powered lift forlifting pallets. The sled can be used to deliver loaded pallets intostores, such as into store refrigerator or freezers, because the sled issmall and maneuverable. The sled is particularly adapted to the“half-pallets” that have been used to move goods from a truck into arefrigerator/freezer at a store.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pallet sled according to a firstembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the sled of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the sled of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the sled of FIG. 1 with the handledisconnected.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the sled of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the sled of FIG. 1 in the lifted position.

FIG. 7 shows the sled of FIG. 1 in the lowered position with the upperframe and lower frame positioned under a pallet.

FIG. 8 shows the sled and pallet of FIG. 7 with the handle moved to asecond position, which causes the lift mechanism to raise the upperframe and the pallet.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sled and pallet of FIG. 8 in thelifted position.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternative sled with analternative frame in a retracted position.

FIG. 11 shows the sled of FIG. 10 with the frame expanded.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the sled of FIG. 1, partially broken away toshow the lift mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the broken-away sled of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 12, but with the handle pivoted forward to amaneuvering position.

FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 12, but with the handle moved to an engagedposition.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the portion of the sled of FIG.15.

FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 12, but with the handle and handle receiverbeing pivoted forward in the handle-engaged position.

FIG. 18 is similar to FIG. 17, with the lift mechanism locked in thelifted position.

FIG. 19 is similar to FIG. 18, with the handle disengaged.

FIG. 20 is similar to FIG. 19, showing the handle pivoted rearward intorearward engagement of the ratchet plate.

FIG. 21 is similar to FIG. 20 with the handle returned to the engagedposition.

FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 21 with the handle pivoted forward to releasethe ratchet pin.

FIG. 23 is similar to FIG. 22 with the release pedal depressed.

FIG. 24 is similar to FIG. 23 with the handle and ratchet plate pivotedrearward to lower the upper frame.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a pallet sled according to asecond embodiment, with the handle in the upright, engaged position andthe upper frame in the lowered position.

FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the pallet sled of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lift mechanism of FIG.26.

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the pallet sled of FIG. 25 withthe handle in a forward position that raised the upper frame to a liftedposition.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lift mechanism of FIG.28.

FIG. 30 is a view similar to that of FIG. 29 with the handle disengagedand pivoted forward, and the upper frame in the lifted position.

FIG. 31 is a view similar to that of FIG. 30 with the handle pivotedrearward to the upright position and still disengaged, with the upperframe in the lifted position.

FIG. 32 is a front perspective enlarged view of the lift mechanism ofFIG. 31, with the handle engaged.

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the pallet sled of FIG. 25 in thefolded or collapsed position.

FIG. 34 is a rear perspective view of the pallet sled of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of the pallet sled of FIG. 25positioned under a pallet, with the upper frame in the lowered position.

FIG. 36 shows the pallet sled and pallet of FIG. 35 after the upperframe has been moved to the lifted position.

FIG. 37 is a side view of the pallet sled and pallet of FIG. 36.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A merchandiser sled 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The sled 10 is used forlifting and moving pallets, particularly half-pallets. The merchandisersled 10 includes a lower frame 12 and upper frame 14 connected by pivotarms 16 at a rearward end and by a lift mechanism 18 at a forward end. AU-shaped cradle 19 is mounted at the forward end of the upper frame 14and opens rearwardly. A handle 20 connects to the lift mechanism 18. Apair of casters 22 support the lower frame 12 at the ends of arms 23 atthe forward end. A pair of wheels 24 support the lower frame 12 at therearward end.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the sled 10. The upper frame 14 is connected tothe lower frame 12 by the pivot arms 16 and the lift mechanism 18. FIG.3 is a rear perspective view of the sled 10.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the sled 10 with the handle 20 disconnected.The lift mechanism 18 includes a tubular handle receiver 26 and a pin 28for connecting the handle 20. The handle 20 includes an aperture 30 forreceiving the pin 28 which connects it to the lift mechanism 18.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the sled 10. In FIGS. 1-5, the sled 10 is in thelowered position, in which the upper frame 14 is lower and closer to thelower frame 12.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the sled 10 in the lifted position. Generally,as will be explained in more detail below, the handle 20 can beselectively engaged and pivoted such that moving the handle 20 forwardcauses the lift mechanism 18 to pivot the upper frame 14 upward andforward relative to the lower frame 12. The pivot arms 16 pivot upwardand forward as well.

FIG. 7 shows the sled 10 in the lowered position with the upper frame 14and lower frame 12 positioned under a pallet 110. The pallet 110 in thisexample is a half-pallet with a relatively high aspect ratio. The pallet110 includes a deck 112 and feet 114 that are nestable in the deck 112of a similar pallet 110 when empty. As shown, upper frame 14 and lowerframe 12 of the sled 10 can be positioned below the deck 112 of thepallet 110 and between the feet 114 (after entering the pallet 110 onthe short side).

In FIG. 8, the lift mechanism 18 has raised the upper frame 14, whichcontacts the underside of the deck 112 to lift the pallet 110 off thefloor so that the pallet 110 (and any goods stacked thereon) can bewheeled about by the sled 10. The cradle 19 captures the outer sides ofthe forward end of the pallet 110 for stability. FIG. 9 is a perspectiveview of the sled 10 and pallet 110 in the lifted position.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative sled 10 a with an alternative upper frame14 a (the rest of the sled 10 a is the same as sled 10 of FIGS. 1-9).The upper frame 14 a includes a retractable rear portion 32 a pivotablyconnected to the rear end of the rest of the upper frame 14 a by a hinge34 a. When empty, the rear portion 32 a can be pivoted to the retractedposition on the rest of the upper frame 14 a, as shown in FIG. 10. Thisreduces the overall length of the sled 10 a for improved maneuverabilityand easier storage when retracted and empty but provides a longer upperframe 14 a when deployed for improved stability when supporting apallet.

As shown in FIG. 11, for use, the rear portion 32 a of the upper frame14 a is pivoted rearward such that the rear portion 32 a extendsrearward of the rest of the upper frame 14 a. The sled 10 a can be usedto support longer pallets and/or to provide a shorter storage length.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the sled 10 of FIG. 1, partially broken awayto expose the lift mechanism 18. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of thebroken-away sled 10 of FIG. 12. Note that the lift mechanism 18 issymmetric about the long axis of the sled 10. In FIGS. 12 and 13, thelift mechanism 18 is in the lowered position such that the upper frame14 is near the lower frame 12. The lift mechanism 18 includes a pair ofratchet plates 36 (one visible) each having a first tooth 38 projectingupward and rearward to define a high notch rearwardly thereof, and asecond tooth 39 spaced forward of the first tooth 38 and also projectingupward and rearward to define a low notch rearwardly thereof. Theratchet plate 36 includes a central opening 40 having a lower portion 42that curves about a lower axis and an upper leg 44 extending radiallyupward from the lower portion 42. A rearward portion of the ratchetplate 36 is pivotably secured to the upper frame 14 by a pivot pin 46. Alower portion of the ratchet plate 36 is pivotably secured to the lowerframe 12 by a lower pivot pin 54. The lower pivot pin 54 also passesthrough an elongated slot 52 formed in a handle plate 50 positionedadjacent the ratchet plate 36 and fixed to the handle receiver 26. Thelower pivot pin 54 is slidable and pivotable in the elongated slot 52formed in the handle plate 50. An upper pivot pin 56 is fixed to thehandle plate 50 and projects outwardly therefrom, the upper pivot pin 56is slidably and pivotably received in the central opening 40 of theratchet plate 36.

A lower surface of the ratchet plate 36 between the lower pivot pin 54and the pivot pin 46 contacts a cross-member 58 of the lower frame 12.This contact provides a limit for rearward rotation of the ratchet plate36.

A release pedal 60 positioned at forward ends of release arms 64 ispivotably secured by a pivot pin 66 to the arms 23. Rearward ends of therelease arms 64 each have a ratchet pin 68 projecting inwardly (i.e.toward one another) therefrom. The ratchet pin 68 engages the teeth 38,39 on the ratchet plate 36 (this will be explained further below).

FIG. 14 is a side view of the lift mechanism 18 area of the sled 10 ofFIGS. 12 and 13 but with the handle 20 pivoted forward to a maneuveringposition. The handle 20 is pivoted forward about the lower pivot pin 54,which pivots in the elongated slot 52 in the handle plate 50. The upperpivot pin 56 slides forward in the lower portion 42 of the centralopening 40 of the ratchet plate 36. Note that the handle 20, handlereceiver 26 and handle plate 50 can pivot back and forth, moving upperpivot pin 56 within the lower portion 42 of the central opening 40 ofthe ratchet plate 36 without moving the ratchet plate 36 or raising orlowering the upper frame 14.

In FIG. 15, the handle 20, handle receiver 26 and handle plate 50 havebeen pivoted rearward and slid upward such that the upper pivot pin 56is received in the upper leg 44 of the central opening 40. In thishandle-engaged position, movement of the handle 20 forward or rearwardwill engage the ratchet plate 36 and permit the handle 20 to cause theratchet plate 36 to pivot on lower pivot pin 54. In FIG. 15, the ratchetplate 36 contacts the cross-member 58, so the ratchet plate 36 can onlyrotate forward (i.e. clockwise in FIG. 15).

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the portion of the sled 10 ofFIG. 15. The handle plate 50 has been slid upward such that the lowerpivot pin 54 is at the bottom of the elongated slot 52.

As shown in FIG. 17, the handle 20 and handle receiver 26 can be pivotedforward in the handle-engaged position, thereby pivoting the ratchetplate 36 forward on lower pivot pin 54. This causes the rearward end ofthe ratchet plate 36 to pivot forward and upward, lifting the upperframe 14 (and any pallet 110 thereon as in FIG. 8) with the pivot pin46. The ratchet pins 68 slide rearward along the upper surface of theratchet plate 36 toward the first tooth 38, until the ratchet pins 68can drop in behind the first tooth 38 into the high notch as shown inFIG. 18. In this position, the lift mechanism 18 is locked in the raised(or lifted) position, with the upper frame 14 spaced further away fromthe lower frame 12. This corresponds to the lifted position of thepallet 110 in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 19, the handle 20, handle receiver 26 and handle plate50 can then be slid downward relative to the ratchet plate 36, such thatthe upper pivot pin 56 moves out of the upper leg 44 and into the lowerportion 42 of the central opening 40 of the ratchet plate 36.Concurrently, handle plate 50 slides downward on the lower pivot pin 54,such that the lower pivot pin 54 is upward in the elongated slot 52 ofthe handle plate 50. Note that in this handle-disengaged position, thehandle 20, handle receiver 26 and handle plate 50 can again move freelyback and forth (i.e. upper pivot pin 56 moves back and forth within thelower portion 42 of the central opening 40) without affecting theposition of the upper frame 14.

As shown in FIG. 20, the handle 20 and handle receiver 26 can be pivotedrearward until upper pivot pin 56 engages the end of the lower portion42 of the central opening 40 of the ratchet plate 36.

Referring to FIG. 21, the handle 20, handle receiver 26 and handle plate50 can be lifted upward such that the upper pivot pin 56 enters theupper leg 44 of the central opening 40 of the ratchet plate 36. The liftmechanism 18 is returned to the handle-engaged position.

The handle 20 can then be pivoted forward as shown in FIG. 22, causingratchet plate 36 to pivot forward until the ratchet pin 68 is clear ofthe first tooth 38 on the ratchet plate 36. Depressing the release pedal60, as shown in FIG. 23, then causes the release arm 64 to pivot theratchet pin 68 upward away from the ratchet plate 36. Moving the handle20 rearward then permits the ratchet plate 36 to pivot rearward, thefirst tooth 38 moving past the ratchet pin 68, until the second tooth 39captures the ratchet pin 68 in the low notch as shown in FIG. 24, andthe lift mechanism 18 is returned to the lowered position. In thelowered position, the upper frame 14 is closer to the lower frame 12.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a pallet sled 210 according to asecond embodiment. FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the pallet sled210 and FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lift mechanism218, of the pallet sled 210 in the same position as in FIG. 25. The sled210 includes a lower frame 212 and upper frame 214 connected by pivotarms 216 and by a lift mechanism 18. The lower frame 212 includes a pairof lower arms 213 connected by a base 272 at a forward end. A pair offlanges 273 extend upward from side edges of the base 272. The upperframe 214 includes a pair of upper arms 215 connected by U-shaped cradle270 at a forward end.

A handle 220 connects to the lift mechanism 218 at a forward end of thesled 210. A pair of casters 222 support the lower frame 212 at theforward end. A pair of wheels 224 support the lower frame 212 at therearward end.

The handle 220 is pivotably connected to the base 270 and the lowerframe 212. A pair of ratchet plates 274 are also pivotably connected tothe base 270 about the same axis as the handle 220. The ratchet plates274 are pivotably connected to the upper frame 214 by a pair of angledbrackets 275. Each ratchet plate 274 includes a low notch 277 and a highnotch 282 (shown more clearly in FIG. 27).

An index crossbar 276 extends between vertical portions of the handle220 and through elongated openings 280 in each vertical portion. Aspring 278 in each vertical portion of the handle 220 biases the indexcrossbar 276 downward. In the position shown, where the upper frame 214is lowered, the index crossbar 276 is also received in the low notch 277in each ratchet plate 274 and retained there by the spring 278. Theindex crossbar 276 may also bear against the flanges 273 on the base 272to prevent further rearward movement of the handle 220 and ratchetplates 274.

A pivotable folding lever 284 is mounted to the handle at a first heightand a handle lever 286 is mounted at a second height (higher than thefirst). Either lever 284, 286 can raise the index crossbar 276 upwardwithin the elongated openings 280 in the handle 220, compressing thesprings 278.

In FIGS. 25-27, the handle 220 is engaged with the ratchet plates 274,with the index crossbar 276 engaging the low notches 277 of the ratchetplates 274, so that the upper frame 214 is in the lowered position,close to the lower frame 212.

To raise the upper frame 214 to the raised position, the handle 220 canbe pulled forward and down as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. This causes theratchet plates 274 to pivot forward, drawing the upper frame 214 forwardand upward (pivoting on arms 216). The upper frame 214 pivots forward toa point where the arms 216 are past vertical, so that the upper frame214 will remain in place even after force on the handle 220 is no longerapplied.

The index crossbar 276 is then raised by pivoting the handle lever 286(FIG. 25) until the index crossbar 276 is moved to the upper ends of theopenings 280 in the handle 220, compressing the springs 278, and out ofthe low notches 277 of the ratchet plates 274 as shown in FIG. 30. Thehandle 220 can then be pivoted rearward to an upright position as shownin FIG. 31. The handle lever 286 (FIG. 25) can then be released so thatthe index crossbar 276 is biased downward into the high notches 282 ofthe ratchet plates 274 as shown in FIG. 32. This locks the upper frame214 in the lifted position and locks the handle 220 in the uprightposition. Alternatively, the index crossbar could be a pair of pins thatextend and retract in and out of holes in the ratchet plates 274.

To lower the upper frame 214 from the lifted position to the loweredposition, the process can be reversed. The index crossbar 276 isdisengaged from the high notches 282 of the ratchet plates 274 and thehandle 220 is pivoted to align the index crossbar 276 with the lownotches 277, where it is then secured. The handle 220 can then bepivoted upward and rearward, to pivot the upper frame 214 rearward anddownward.

The pallet sled 210 can also be folded as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. Theindex crossbar 276 is moved upward out of the low notches 277 of theratchet plates 274 and the handle 220 is pivoted all the way rearward(past the high notches 282), until the handle 220 rests on the upperframe 214. In this folded position, the pallet sled 210 occupies lessvolume and can be more easily shipped and stored.

In use, the pallet sled 210 is placed in the lowered position, with theupper frame 214 lowered close to the lower frame 212. The pallet sled210 can then be rolled under a pallet 110 as shown in FIG. 35. The feet114 of the pallet 110 are received between the arms 213, 215 of thelower frame 212 and upper frame 214, respectively. The upper frame 214and cradle 270 are positioned below the deck 112, outward of the feet114. The upper frame 214 is the moved to the lifted position in themanner described above by pivoting the handle 220 forward. The handle220 is then pivoted rearward and engaged as shown in FIG. 36. In FIG.36, the feet 114 of the pallet 110 are lifted off the floor and thepallet 110 is supported by the upper frame 214 and the cradle 270. Thehandle 220 is engaged in the upright position. The pallet sled 210 canbe pushed or pulled by the handle 220 to move the pallet 110 (whichwould be loaded with goods in use).

FIG. 37 is a side view of the pallet sled 210 and pallet 110 of FIG. 36.As shown, the feet 114 are lifted off the floor so that the pallet 110can be moved by the pallet sled 210.

The sleds 10, 210 each provide a small, lightweight manual, non-poweredlift for lifting pallets 110. The sleds 10, 210 can be used to deliverloaded pallets 110 into stores, such as into store refrigerator orfreezers, because the sleds 10, 210 are small and maneuverable.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes andjurisprudence, exemplary configurations described above are consideredto represent a preferred embodiment of the invention. However, it shouldbe noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than asspecifically illustrated and described without departing from its spiritor scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pallet sled comprising: an upper frame havingan upper surface; a lower frame supporting the upper frame; a pluralityof pivotable arms connecting the lower frame to the upper frame; and ahandle pivotably connected to the lower frame and the upper frame, suchthat pivoting the handle selectively raises and lowers the upper framerelative to the lower frame.
 2. The pallet sled of claim 1 furtherincluding at least one ratchet plate connecting the lower frame to thehandle, the at least one ratchet plate selectively reconfigurablerelative to the handle to engage and to disengage the handle from theupper frame, such that the handle can raise and lower the upper frame bypivoting relative to the lower frame when the handle is engaged and suchthat the handle can pivot relative to the lower frame without raising orlowering the upper frame when the handle is disengaged.
 3. The palletsled of claim 2 further including an indexing bar movable between anengaged position in which the indexing bar engages the handle to the atleast one ratchet plate and a disengaged position in which the handle isdisengaged from the at last one ratchet plate.
 4. The pallet sled ofclaim 3 wherein the at least one ratchet plate is pivotably secureddirectly to the lower frame and the upper frame.
 5. The pallet sled ofclaim 4 wherein the indexing bar extends through elongated openings in apair of vertical portions of the handle.
 6. The pallet sled of claim 5further including wheels supporting the lower frame.
 7. The pallet sledof claim 2 wherein the at least one ratchet plate is pivotably securedto the lower frame and the upper frame.
 8. The pallet sled of claim 7wherein the at least one ratchet plate includes a low notch which isengaged to retain the upper frame in a low position, and wherein the atleast one ratchet plate includes a high notch which is engaged to retainthe upper frame in the lifted position.
 9. The pallet sled of claim 1 incombination with a pallet having a plurality of feet supporting a deck,the plurality of feet received within the upper frame, the decksupported on the upper frame.
 10. The pallet sled of claim 1 furtherincluding a ratchet plate connecting the lower frame to the upper frame,wherein the handle is configured to be selectively engaged or disengagedwith the ratchet plate, such that pivoting the handle can raise andlower the upper frame relative to the lower frame when the handle isengaged with the ratchet plate.
 11. The pallet sled of claim 1 furtherincluding a ratchet plate connecting the lower frame to the upper frame,a lower portion of the ratchet plate pivotably secured to the lowerframe at an axis below the upper surface of the upper frame, a rearwardouter portion pivotably connected to the upper frame.
 12. A pallet sledcomprising: an upper frame having an upper surface; a lower framesupporting the upper frame; a pair of ratchet plates connecting thelower frame to the upper frame, the ratchet plates pivotable relative tothe lower frame, wherein the ratchet plates are pivotable between afirst position and a second position, wherein the upper frame is closerto the lower frame in the second position than in the first position;and a handle pivotably connected to the lower frame, wherein the handleis selectively engagable and disengagable with the ratchet plates, suchthat the handle can raise and lower the upper frame by pivoting relativeto the lower frame when the handle is engaged and such that the handlecan pivot relative to the lower frame without raising or lowering theupper frame when the handle is disengaged.
 13. The pallet sled of claim12 wherein the handle is configured to engage the ratchet plates in afirst relative position between the handle and ratchet plates and asecond relative position between the handle and ratchet plates.
 14. Thepallet sled of claim 13 further including an indexing bar movablebetween an engaged position in which the indexing bar engages the handleto at least one of the ratchet plates and a disengaged position in whichthe handle is disengaged from the at last one of the ratchet plates. 15.The pallet sled of claim 13 wherein the at least one ratchet plate ispivotably secured to the lower frame and to the upper frame.
 16. Thepallet sled of claim 14 wherein the indexing bar extends throughelongated openings in a pair of vertical portions of the handle.
 17. Thepallet sled of claim 16 further including wheels supporting the lowerframe.
 18. The pallet sled of claim 17 in combination with a pallethaving a plurality of feet supporting a deck, the plurality of feetreceived between spaced-apart arms of the upper frame, the decksupported on the upper frame.
 19. A pallet sled comprising: an upperframe; a lower frame supporting the upper frame; a ratchet platepivotably connected to the lower frame and pivotably connected to theupper frame, wherein the ratchet plate is pivotable between a firstposition and a second position, wherein the upper frame is closer to thelower frame in the second position than in the first position; and ahandle pivotably connected to the lower frame, wherein the handle isselectively engagable and disengagable with the ratchet plate, such thatthe handle can raise and lower the upper frame by pivoting relative tothe lower frame when the handle is engaged and such that the handle canpivot relative to the lower frame without raising or lowering the upperframe when the handle is disengaged.
 20. The pallet sled of claim 19wherein the handle is pivotable about an axis parallel to the lowerframe and wherein the ratchet plate is pivotable about an axis extendinghorizontally through the lower frame.